Names In The News

American tennis player MICHAEL RUSSELL "has distanced himself from comments posted on his Facebook page" labeling LLEYTON HEWITT a ''racist'' and a ''douche bag,'' for which Hewitt's agent, DAVID DRYSDALE, will "nevertheless seek clarification" from the ATP. Russell subsequently blamed his publicist for ''apparently'' posting the remarks without his approval (THE AGE, 7/16). ... The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday "opted for a younger chief selector" when it appointed former captain MOIN KHAN after the sudden resignation of IQBAL OASIM last month. Moin, 41, "is the youngest person to be named to the chief selector’s post by the board" (PTI, 7/15). ... Recently relegated Argentine second division side Independiente player FABIÁNVARGAS has decided not to leave the club for first division side Racing "for his personal security." Vargas, who had "received a number of threats on social media," informed Racing club execs through his agent, DANIEL COMBA (CLARIN, 7/15).